Christmas tree lighting in Swift Current, Nov. 23, 2017

Record breaking mild weather attracted a very large crowd to downtown Swift Current for the annual Christmas tree lighting, Nov. 23. Families crowded into Market Square to watch the countdown for switching on the lights on the large Christmas tree at 7 p.m. Santa Claus and Mrs Claus arrived shortly afterwards in a fire truck. There was a long line-up of children who wanted to see Santa and each child received a treat bag after meeting him. The École Centennial School choir entertained the crowd with festive songs after the Christmas tree lighting. Horse wagon rides were a popular attraction at the event. The horses were provided by Lost Valley Horse Ranch, Pebble Ridge Percherons, and Prairie Percherons. A new temperature record of 13.2 degrees Celsius was set for Swift Current on this day. The old record of 11.7 degrees for Swift Current on Nov. 23 was set in 1890. The temperature was still almost three degrees above freezing when the Christmas tree lighting took place.